Spotlight on Gardening

Our unseasonably warm spring has brought out the blooms and the plans for this year's garden. Whether you've a green thumb or black (or aren't sure what color your thumb may be!), Carnegie-Stout has a gardening book for you!

Be sure to check out last year's gardening post, found here:
carnegiestout.blogspot.com/2011/05/gardening-season.html

Iowa State University's Iowa Extension also has some great information for gardening in Iowa.

And don't forget our post on gardening themed cozy mysteries: carnegiestout.blogspot.com/2011/11/cozy-mysteries-gardening.html

The Hobby Farmer
Farm City by Novella Carpenter
(630.9173 CAR) Ms. Carpenter moved to downtown Oakland with her boyfriend and started a squatter garden in a neighboring vacant lot. Her garden quickly expands to include bees, chickens, turkeys, and pigs. A colorful and personal story about the modern relationship to the food we eat and its production.


Growing at the Speed of Life by Graham Kerr
(635 KER) Mr. Kerr, cookbook author and host of a cooking program, writes about his experience with his own garden, inspired by the sustainability and local food movements. In addition, his book includes tips and recipes.

The Dirty Life by Kristin Kimball
(630.92 KIM) Ms. Kimball, a Manhattan journalist, meets and falls for Mark, a farmer. They move to upstate New York to start their own farm, and experiment in community agriculture. One part hands on exploration of the sustainable movement, one part fish out of water, and one part romances makes for an entertaining read.

If you want to try your own adventure in urban or hobby farming, check out these books:

• Urban Homesteading by Rachel Kaplan (640 KAP)
• Your Farm in the City by Lisa Taylor (630.9173 TAY)
• The Joy of Hobby Farming by Michael Levatino (630.68 LEV)

How to Grow a Garden

• The Edible Front Yard: creating curb appeal with fruits, flowers, vegetables, and herbs by Ivette Soler (635 SOL)

• High-Impact, Low-Carbon Gardening: 1001 ways to garden sustainably by Alice Bowe (635.048 BOW)

• The Midwestern Native Garden: native alternatives to nonnative flowers and plants by Charlotte Adelman (635.951 ADE)

• Perennial Vegetables: from artichoke to zuiki taro, a gardener’s guide to over 100 delicious, easy-to-grow edibles by Eric Toensmeier (635 TOE)

• Slow Gardening: a no-stress philosophy for all senses and seasons by Felder Rushing (635.9 RUS)

• The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Own Food: save money, live better, and enjoy life with food from your garden or orchard by Monte Burch (635 BUR)

• The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible: how to grow a bounty of food in pots, tubs, and other containers by Edward C. Smith (635 SMI)

Gardening Magazines
Horticulture
Better Homes and Gardens
Birds & Blooms
Hobby Farms
Organic Gardening
This Old House
Fine Gardening



Please stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor, check out NoveList Plus on the library's website, or visit W. 11th & Bluff next week for more reading suggestions. Or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll create a reading list just for you!

Bestseller Read-Alikes for the week of March 26th

Can’t wait to get your hands on the latest best-seller, but the hold list is too long? To tide you over, every week we’ll offer similar titles and authors to the week’s fiction and nonfiction best sellers.

Fiction

Once again at #1 on the bestsellers list is Jodi Picoult's Lone Wolf (click here for read-alikes for that book). At #2 is the final installment in the Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi series, Apocalypse by Troy Denning. In this novel, Jedi and Sith face off—with  the planet Coruscant as their battlefield. For the Sith, it’s the chance to restore their dominance over the galaxy that forgot them for so long. For Abeloth, it’s a giant step in her quest to conquer all life everywhere. For Luke Skywalker, it’s a call to arms to eradicate the Sith and their monstrous new master once and for all.

Denning (also known as Richard Awlinson) has written a number of other Star Wars books, in series, such as Dark Nest and as stand-alone novels, such as Tatooine Ghost.

If you're looking for other Star Wars series, try Legacy of the Force, which begins with the novel Betrayal by Aaron Allston, in which Jacen Solo (son of Han and Leia) and his apprentice Ben Skywalker (Luke's son) are ambushed and uncover evidence that a rebellion is brewing.

If you're looking for a new sci-fi series similar to Star Wars,try the Saga of Seven Suns by Kevin Anderson. The series begins with Hidden Empire. As one of three known intelligent races in the star-traveling distant future, the human race wonders at the disappearance of the Klikiss race and examines its home planet technologies, one of which is a device that awakens a warlike fourth race.

Click here for more fiction bestsellers...

Nonfiction

The top two nonfiction books on the bestsellers list are familiar titles. Holding strong at #1 is  American Sniper by Chris Kyle (click here for read-alikes for that book from last week). Number 2 this week is Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From My Frontier by Ree Drummond.

This is the third cook book written by Drummond, who is began writing on her blog The Pioneer Woman Cooks!. Her latest features "simple-but-scrumptious" recipes, including Perfect Pancakes, Cowgirl Quiche, Sloppy Joes, Italian Meatball Soup, White Chicken Enchiladas, and spicy Carnitas Pizza.

Other books similar to Pioneer Woman Cooks include:

Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill Cookbook by Bobby Flay - Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay presents a collection of 150 recipes for the drinks, appetizers, soups, salads, main dishes, sides, sauces, desserts, and brunch dishes.The book also includes cooking advice and over 100 color photos.

The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen: Live Well, Laugh Often, Cook Much by Serena Thompson and Terry Edwards - Entrepreneurs, bloggers and contributing editors to Country Living, Thompson and Edwards first book combines stories, craft ideas and recipes such as Enchilada Soup, Blackberry Crisp, Chocolate Butter Cake, Beet Salad and Lemon Cookies.

Click here for more nonfiction bestselllers ...

If you'd like more recommendations, stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor, check out NoveList Plus on the library's website, or visit W. 11th & Bluff next week for more reading suggestions. Or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll create a reading list just for you!

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

When A Discovery of Witches was published a year ago, it spent some time on the bestsellers list. This of course prompted me to put a hold on the book and it went to the top of my "to be read" list. At a daunting 579 pages, A Discovery of Witches slowly began to fall to the bottom of that list. However, as the first book in the All Souls Trilogy I decided that I needed to read book one before book two, Shadow of the Night, comes out this July.

Diana Bishop is a witch. She comes from a long line of witches on both sides of her family. Her mother, Rebecca, was descended from Bridget Bishop who was hung July 10, 1692 in Salem. Her father, Stephen, was descended from Elizabeth Proctor, another accused witch in Salem. In 1986, when Diana was 7, her parents went to Africa and never came back. Diana was raised by her aunt Sarah. Sarah and Diana are the last of the Bishop line but after Diana's parents die she decides she does not want to be a witch and makes and effort to suppress her magic.

Diana is a brilliant scholar and has published several books on alchemy. Her studies take her to Oxford where she spends her time in the library examining one ancient text after another. Diana's life changes when she requests a manuscript written by a man named Elias Ashmole. Simply known as Ashmole 782, Diana knows there is something magical about the manuscript the minute she touches it. In fact the book refuses to open until she lays her palm on the cover to introduce herself to the book. Diana discovers that there are three pages missing from the book and that there seems to be additional text moving underneath the regular text. Frightened by the power she feels in Ashmole 782, Diana returns it to the library archives. By opening Ashmole 782, Diana has now attracted the attention of the other "creatures" in the library and beyond. There are four races in the world, humans, witches, vampires and daemons. As a rule the four races do not mix and the humans pretend to not know the other three exist. Witches hate vampires, vampires hate witches and they both look down upon daemons.

The day after opening Ashmole 782 Diana meets Matthew Clairmont, a 1500 year old vampire who has been looking for Ashmole 782 for over 100 years. Even though vampires and witches don't mix, Matthew decides to help Diana out by protecting her from all the attention she is getting from the other creatures. It seems that Diana is the only one to see or touch the book since it went missing from the library in the 1850s. Unfortunately when Diana decides to call Ashmole 782 up again it is again listed as missing. Now Diana's life is in danger from the creatures who want to know what kind of magic she possesses that allowed her to call and open the book. Each race believes that the Ashmole 782 holds some secret that is essential to the survival of their race and each race believes that Ashmole 782 belongs to them. Among other things, Matthew is a doctor and has been studying the origins of each race through their DNA. He believes Ashmole 782 holds the key to the origins of each creature. What ensues is a lot of talk about history, alchemy and DNA sequencing. Diana and her magic seem to be the key to discovering the origins of all the creatures. Over the course of the book it becomes clear that Diana needs to embrace her considerable magic because ignoring her power only puts her in more danger. Her relationship with Matthew sets off a sequence of events that could start a war between the creatures and drastic steps must be taken to protect Diana until she can learn to control her power.

Despite bogging down the story with the discussions of history, DNA , alchemy and quoting a few too many ancient texts, Harkness creates an intriguing story that made me want to know what happens next to Matthew and Diana. Do they discover the secrets contained in Ashmole 782? Does Diana learn to control her magic and why is she so important? Do Matthew and Diana succeed in stopping the war between the creatures? There is a lot (and I mean a lot) of background information in this book. It makes sense that there are so many unanswered questions when you remember that there are two more books to come. With the second book out in a few months, I'm glad I waited until now to read book one. If you are a fan of magic, mystery and history, A Discovery of Witches is the book for you.

~ Amy, Adult Services

Press Release: Local Man Leaves Generous Gift to Carnegie-Stout

The Carnegie-Stout Public Library has received a gift of $1,067,182.00 from the estate of James Arthur Mutschler.   James Arthur Mutschler, known by his friends as “Art,” was born on November 19, 1919 in East Dubuque, the son of Arthur and Effie Mutschler.  James’ grandfather owned a leather goods business in East Dubuque; his father was an accountant at Dubuque Boat and Boiler Works. 

James enlisted in the Armed Forces during WWII.  When the new recruits were in lines awaiting orders, an officer yelled out, “Who wants to be in the Marine Corps?”  A boy behind Art yelled “I do!” and shoved Art forward, which is how he became a U.S. Marine. As one of the few and the proud, serving in the Marine Corps from 1944 to 1946, he was stationed in the Southwest Pacific as a communications specialist.  His battle experiences included Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands and were followed by service in post-war Japan.  It was especially fitting that Art served in Japan during the post-war transition, as he was the epitome of a humanitarian, with a friendly, easy-going personality. Pictures of that time show him with a big grin and arms around Japanese people; he did not see himself as an occupier.  He was a man with a big heart.

Art’s stint in the Marine Corps and his fine analytical mind were good preparation for his future career with the railroad. He began as an operator for the Illinois Central Railroad, primarily manning the stations at Portage (Galena) and the East Cabin (East Dubuque) during a 45-year career. There, Art exhibited his traits of reliability, integrity, and meticulous attention to detail. He received several commendations for safety when he noticed and reported things amiss as trains traveled past his post.  He lived in a small home on Rosedale Avenue in Dubuque and walked to work – in East Dubuque – every day.  He would set out about an hour ahead of time and, knowing the rail schedule, was able to take a shortcut across the railroad bridge.

He adopted many unwanted and abandoned pets over the years. His last dog was a cute Jack Russell terrier-type that was a constant companion. Art was a lover of classical music, the outdoors and was a conservationist with a passion for walking and hiking. When he retired, Art enjoyed using his life-time pass on the railroad to travel around the United States.  He also traveled throughout the world.

Art was an avid reader and relished spending time at the Carnegie-Stout Public Library. He always read newspapers, magazines and checked out railroad books.  He drove a truck and parked it up the street so that he could get in a good walk, and avoid paying parking meters.  Library staff remembers Mr. Mutschler as a “dear man who always had a smile and a big hello.”  He died one year ago this coming Sunday – March 25, 2011 at the age of 91. 

He lived modestly, yet was a quiet and generous contributor to many conservation, art, literary, humane, historical, and progressive causes. Mr. Mutschler remembered his favorite organizations upon his death, leaving bequests to the Iowa Civil Liberties Union, the University of Iowa Foundation, and the Carnegie-Stout Public Library. The Library has a trust fund established in Mr. Mutschler’s name and plans to dedicate the funds to the expansion of library services.  To this end the Library will embark on a community survey in the next month.  Responses from Dubuque’s residents will be very important as we seek to evaluate the level of interest in expanding library services.  Some people will receive a survey in the mail; please take a few minutes to complete it and return it in the stamped envelope that will be provided.  For those who do not receive a survey in the mail, the Library will offer an online survey.  Announcement of the date of the survey and when the survey will be launched on the library’s web site will be made in April.

More Hunger Games Read Alikes

Today is opening day for the movie adaptation of The Hunger Games, a dystopian trilogy written for teens that has proven equally popular with adults. Fast-paced, action-packed, with a strong and compelling heroin, and just a hint of romance, Ms. Collins has created a real page-turner.

The Hunger Games were already the topic of a read alike post, but with more great Young Adult titles published every month and the excitement surrounding the film, we thought we'd do an update.

You can check out our original Hunger Games read alike post here: carnegiestout.blogspot.com/2011/05/read-alike-hunger-games.html

SH = Strong Heroine
A = Action-Packed
D = Dystopia
2+ = Trilogy/Series
P = Protector
V = Violence
R = Romance

Terrier by Tamora Pierce SH A 3+ P V
Ms. Pierce is well known for writing fantasy novels, often set in the world of Tortall, that always feature a strong heroine. The stories are fast-paced and the settings are full of interesting detail with regional slang and rich history. Start with Terrier, the first of three books featuring the adventures of Beka Cooper, Provost's Guard (a bit like a medieval police officer). Terrier has a suspenseful mystery and some great action scenes.

Legend by Marie Lu SH A D 3+ P V R
Ms. Lu's fast-paced first novel, Legend, is set in a dystopian future where the West and East coasts are at war. June, a military prodigy, is marked for greatness within the Republic. Day comes from the slums and has turned to a life as a Robin Hood-esque criminal. When June is tasked with capturing Day, they both find that their world is not what it seems.

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson SH A 3+ V R
Ms. Carson's first novel a compelling and fast-paced story of a young woman marked for a greatness she doesn't feel capable of. Princess Elisa finds comfort in her studies, her faith, and eating, but when she is married to the king of the neighboring land, she can no longer hide from the dangers of her world.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater SH P V R
Ms. Stiefvater has found great popularity with her lyrical novels that mix romance and fantasy. Her characters intelligent and independent. Start with The Scorpio Races, which puts a new spin on the old Celtic myth of the Water Horse, a man-eating horse that comes from the ocean. Thisby is a remote island off the British coast known for the deadly yearly race of the capaill uisce, and Kate "Puck" Connolly will be the first woman to enter the races. The audio book is fantastic.

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder SH A D 3+ V R
Ms. Snyder writes suspenseful fantasy novels with strong heroines and dark settings. Start with Poison Study, Yelena is offered a reprieve from her death sentence for murder if she agrees to become the new poison taster for the repressive leader of her country where anyone with magical talent is killed.

Divergent by Veronica Roth SH A D 3+ V R
This debut novel is also the first in a dystopian trilogy aimed at young adults, but that adult readers who loved The Hunger Games may find compelling as well. Though action-packed, the novel asks larger questions about humanity. Future residents of Chicago are required to choose a faction at age 16, will Beatrice stay with her family in the self-sacrificing Abnegation, or leave her family for adventure with Dauntless?

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley SH A 2+ P V R
Ms. McKinley has been writing character-driven fantasy novels and variations on fairy tales for teen and adult readers for decades. Her settings are always highly detailed with great attention to the natural elements. Start with The Blue Sword, Harry is the well-bred daughter of colonialists in a desert country, but when she is kidnapped by the Hillfolk, she discovers unexpected strengths.

Ashes by Ilsa Bick SH A D 2+ P V R
Ms. Bick is both a novelist and a child psychiatrist. Her novels are action-packed and dark. Ashes, is the first of a trilogy set in the near future that puts a new spin on zombies. Alex has an incurable brain tumor, survival skills she learned from her father before his death, and a plan behind her visit to a remote park in the U.P. Instead there is an explosion that destroys all modern technology, but Alex can't begin to imagine how much the world has changed.

Blood Red Road by Moira Young SH A D 2+ P V R
An action-packed young adult novel set in a bleak future, where 18-year-old Saba’s parents have died, her beloved twin brother has been kidnapped, and she’s left in the wilderness with her annoying kid sister. Saba sets out across the post-apocalyptic desert in search of her brother, and finds her own strength, in this first of a new trilogy. She narrates the tale in her own Old West-ish dialect.

Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness A D 2+ P V R
The first novel in the dystopian science-fiction series Chaos Walking, The Knife of Never Letting Go. This is a fast-paced tale set in a compelling and richly-developed world, a planet where all the women have been killed and all the men are linked by a mysterious psychic connection. When a young man learns a secret about the colony’s past, he’s forced to flee with the army on his heels.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver SH D 2+ V R
Lauren Oliver's lyrical novels include science fiction elements with their character-driven tragic romances. Her second novel, Delirium, is also the start of a dystopian trilogy set in a future where love (or amor deliria nervosa) is viewed as an illness easily cured with a little brain surgery. But just before Lena is eligible for the cure, she meets a young man who just might be the love of her life.

Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve SH A D 2+ V R
Mr. Reeve has written a number of action-packed science-fiction and fantasy novels for teens and younger readers. Packed with steam punk details and creative world building, his series the Hungry City Chronicles has found fans with readers both young and old. Start with Mortal Engines, in a future where cities are mobile and life depends on mechanical cannibalism Tom is unprepared to be thrown from the relative safety of London into the barren wilderness with a mysterious girl on a deadly mission.

Please stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor, check out NoveList Plus on the library's website, or visit W. 11th & Bluff next week for more reading suggestions. Or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll create a reading list just for you!

Thanks go to Amy and her Harry Potter for Adults read alike post!